I’ve never thought of pageant contestests as “naturally beautiful.” With all the glittery, nearly costume-like clothing, heavy stage make-up and deeply intense faux-tans, I find it hard to see past the superficial layer. But plastic surgery has long been a taboo topic among beauty pageant contestants.

On October 9th, Hungary aims to break new ground by featuring only women who have had some form of cosmetic surgery – And Botox just isn’t gonna cut it.

“Ever had plastic surgery to become beautiful? Are you proud of your body? Would you like to put yourself to the test?” These are questions from the Miss Plastic Hungary 2009 pageant’s website. It’s open to women ages 18 to 30 who have undergone at least one cosmetic procedure that involves general or local anesthesia.

Sure, the contest is aimed to help the region turn a cultural corner, but that’s not all. The Medical tourism website Treatment Abroad promotes Hungary as offering “a range of excellent healthcare which visitors can take advantage of at a much lower price than in the UK.

With Budapest’s enticing list of prices on Botox and IPL, I just might check it off my “Places I’d Like to Visit” list sooner rather than later.